The Number of Unemployment Benefit Applications in the USA Increased

• Applications for unemployment benefits rose to 218,000.
• Only 1.95 million Americans are receiving benefits.
• Layoffs remain at a low level.

Washington — The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 1,000 to 218,000 for the week ending July 26, which is less than the 225,000 new applications predicted by analysts. Applications for unemployment benefits are considered an indicator of layoffs.

This is the first increase in applications for benefits in seven weeks, although layoffs remain at historically low levels.

During the four-week average, which smooths out some fluctuations, it decreased by 3,500 to 221,000.

The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the previous week, ending July 19, remained unchanged at 1.95 million.

Tags: USA/Economy